Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets
Located in the resort alpine from Getsin Haute-Savoiethe Mechanical Music Museum is a veritable treasure trove for lovers of ancient sounds and atypical instruments. This museum offers a unique exceptional collection of mechanical musical instruments, from barrel organs at automatic pianosthrough to the music boxes and orchestrions. An immersive visit that will delight young and old, curious and passionate alike.
To find out more about the ski resort of Le Gets, read our dedicated article here.
The history of the Musée de la Musique Mécanique in Les Gets
Created in 1988This museum was born of the passion of collectors and historians of mechanical music. Its aim: preserving and promoting a unique sound heritagea testament to a time when music was played without electricity or digital technology.
Today, the museum houses over 900 mechanical musical instrumentsfrom all over the world, dating from the XVIIIᵉ to XXᵉ century. Each room has been carefully restored to function as it did in its day, providing visitors with a fascinating immersive sensory experience.
What can you discover at the Mechanical Music Museum?
1. An exceptional collection of automatic instruments
The museum is divided into several themed rooms, each featuring mechanical instruments from a bygone era:
🔹 Fairground and merry-go-round organs These imposing wind instruments were once used to enliven fairgrounds and carousels.
🔹 Music boxes Delicate little mechanisms that reproduce melodies by vibrating metal blades.
🔹 Orchestrions : True ancestors of the jukebox, these machines reproduced the ambience of an orchestra by playing several instruments simultaneously.
🔹 Mechanical pianos Forerunners of the modern piano, these instruments automatically play sheet music on perforated rollers.
🔹 Musical automatons Animated figures that dance and move to the beat of the music.
2. Interactive demonstrations 🎶
One of the strengths of Mechanical Music Museum is the lively and interactive tours. Unlike other museums, where you observe without touching, here the instruments are regularly put into operation by enthusiastic guides.
Visitors can :
✔ Listen to the authentic sound of a barrel organ.
✔ See a working automatic piano early XXᵉ century.
✔ Observe a automat that moves to the beat of the music.
These demonstrations provide a better understanding of operation and history of these fascinating instruments.
3. An area dedicated to children 🎠
The museum also offers a play area adapted to children. families and children. Thanks to interactive workshopsyounger children can learn to handle music boxesdiscover the secrets of musical mechanisms and even try out some instruments.
A perfect visit to combine discovery, learning and fun !
Discover the village des Gets by reading our article here.
Practical information for visiting the museum
Location
Visit Mechanical Music Museum is located in the heart of Les Getseasily accessible on foot from the village center.
Address 294 Rue du Vieux Village, 74260 Les Gets, France
Opening hours
- Open all year roundwith variable opening hours depending on the season.
- High season (winter and summer): daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
- Off-season : weekends and public holidays from 2 to 6 p.m..
We recommend that you check the timetable on the official website before your visit.
Rates
- Adults : about 12€
- Children (aged 6 to 16) : about 8€
- Free for children under 6
- Reduced rates for groups and families
Why visit the Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets?
A unique heritage Discover rare and historic instruments.
Sound immersion : Live demonstrations and an extraordinary musical experience.
An original activity Perfect to complement a skiing or hiking holiday in Les Gets.
A family-friendly venue A fun and educational trail for young and old alike.
FAQ about the Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets
1. Can I touch the instruments?
The instruments are operated only by the guides, but visitors can listen to and observe their operation live.
2. Are there guided tours?
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to better understand the history and operation of the instruments.
3. Is it possible to buy souvenirs related to mechanical music?
Yes, the museum store sells music boxes, mini-organs and books on mechanical music.
4. Is the museum accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, wheelchair access is provided.
5. What is the average length of a visit?
Visit between 1h and 1h30 for a full tour, including demonstrations.
Conclusion
Visit Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets is a true a journey through time and music. Whether you are history buffs, music lovers or the simply curiousThis tour will plunge you into a unique and fascinating world of sound. Make the most of your stay at Les Gets to discover this not-to-be-missed museum and be enchanted by the mechanical melodies of yesteryear!
